Deuteronomy 27:16

Cursed [be] he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Cursed {H779} be he that setteth light {H7034} by his father {H1} or his mother {H517}. And all the people {H5971} shall say {H559}, Amen {H543}.

"'A curse on anyone who dishonors his father or mother.'All the people are to say, 'Amen!'

‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 27:16 is part of a series of solemn curses pronounced by the Levites on Mount Ebal, to which all the people of Israel were to respond "Amen." These curses served as a stark reminder of the consequences of violating God's covenant laws, emphasizing the gravity of specific transgressions.

Context of the Verse

This verse falls within Deuteronomy chapters 27 and 28, which detail the covenant ceremony at Shechem, where the Israelites were to affirm their commitment to God's laws upon entering the Promised Land. Half the tribes stood on Mount Gerizim to pronounce blessings for obedience, and the other half on Mount Ebal to declare curses for disobedience. The specific curses listed in Deuteronomy 27 address hidden or private sins that might escape human justice but were known to God, underscoring the all-encompassing nature of divine law and judgment. The public declaration and communal "Amen" ensured that every individual understood and assented to the seriousness of these commands.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Filial Responsibility and Respect: The primary message is the absolute importance of honoring one's parents. This command is a cornerstone of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12) and foundational to a stable, God-fearing society. Disrespecting parents, who are God's appointed authorities in the home, is seen as a direct affront to divine order.
  • The Seriousness of Contempt: The phrase "setteth light by" signifies treating with contempt, belittling, or despising. It's not merely disobedience, but an attitude of profound disrespect that devalues the parents' authority, wisdom, and very person. Such an attitude is considered a grave sin, warranting a curse.
  • Divine Justice and Consequences: The pronouncement of a curse highlights that God Himself takes such disrespect seriously. It serves as a strong deterrent, indicating that dishonoring parents has spiritual consequences beyond human legal systems.
  • Communal Accountability: The people's collective "Amen" underscores the community's agreement with and acceptance of God's righteous judgment. It signifies their understanding that upholding the honor of parents is a shared societal responsibility and a vital aspect of their covenant with God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "setteth light by" comes from the verb qalah (קָלָה), which means "to be light," "to treat lightly," or "to despise." It conveys the idea of treating someone as insignificant or worthless, showing utter contempt. This is a powerful word choice, indicating that the sin is not just an act of disobedience, but an internal attitude of disdain. The response "Amen" (אָמֵן) is a common Hebrew affirmation meaning "so be it," "truthfully," or "certainly," signaling full agreement and commitment to the truth of the declaration.

Practical Application

While pronounced as a curse in ancient Israel, the principle of Deuteronomy 27:16 remains profoundly relevant today. It calls believers to:

  • Cultivate an Attitude of Honor: Beyond mere obedience, Christians are called to genuinely respect and value their parents, recognizing their role in God's design for family. This includes caring for them in their old age and valuing their counsel, as seen in Proverbs 23:22.
  • Recognize the Sanctity of Family: The family unit is divinely instituted, and disrespect within it has far-reaching consequences for individuals and society.
  • Live with Integrity: The curse applies even to those who "secretly" disrespect their parents, emphasizing that God sees the heart and holds us accountable for our inner attitudes as well as our outward actions.

This verse serves as a timeless reminder that respect for authority, beginning with the foundational unit of the family, is a spiritual imperative with divine implications.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 19:3 (8 votes)

    Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I [am] the LORD your God.

  • Exodus 21:17 (7 votes)

    And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.

  • Deuteronomy 21:18 (4 votes)

    ¶ If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and [that], when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them:

  • Deuteronomy 21:21 (4 votes)

    And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.

  • Exodus 20:12 (4 votes)

    ¶ Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

  • Leviticus 20:9 (3 votes)

    For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood [shall be] upon him.

  • Ezekiel 22:7 (3 votes)

    In thee have they set light by father and mother: in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppression with the stranger: in thee have they vexed the fatherless and the widow.